The Hollywood Museum presents The Legends of Laughter: The Marx Brothers Exhibit.
- CaliNewYork
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 20
July 19, 2025 – Source: The Hollywood Museum – Written by Christopher L. Antie - ChrisWill Media
Read all about it! The revolutionary humor, the golden beginnings of Hollywood, and the embraced wit of the Marx Brothers are now on display at the iconic Hollywood Museum. This new display screams the sounds of “Hooray for Hollywood.” You can hear the music playing loudly in your ears as you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. Suddenly, you find yourself at the corner of Hollywood and Highland, surrounded by an array of performers. Lights! Camera! Action! You’re all in, buying your ticket to enter a place where Hollywood got its name.
Enter inside to find yourself revisiting the dreams of dreamers. On July 17, 2025, The Hollywood Museum premiered The Hollywood Museum’s Marx Brothers Exhibit. Donelle Dadigan, Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum, located in the historic Max Factor Building, said “We are excited to be able to make history, as we present this unique Marx Brothers Exhibit … I know when Marx Brothers fans from all around the world come and visit The Hollywood Museum, they will have a rare and up-close opportunity to experience this exciting and new exhibit, ‘Legends of Laughter: The Marx Brothers’.”
Born in New York City, the Marx Brothers were the sons of Jewish immigrants from Germany and France. The Marx Brothers ameliorated the art of cinematic comedy, testing industry grounds with visual and verbal elements, mesmerizing audiences with physical gags as well as hilarious wisecracks; becoming the most legendary acts of all time. Critics and scholars alike have defined the Marx Brothers as the apotheosis of American comedy in the 20th century, influencing future comedic artists even to this day.
Now on display features original & screen used costumes, props, never before seen personal family photographs, brightly colored film posters, as well as original memorabilia from The Marx Brothers films, including Chico’s screen used iconic hat, Harpo’s screen used iconic horn, wig, harmonica, trench coat and travel trunk from their films, tv and live performances, including other costumes and outfits worn by the brothers. On display are a selection of paintings created by Harpo, the artist, in his retirement. Additionally featured are props from Groucho Marx’s show “You Bet Your Life,” furnishings from his home, books from his personal library, signed scripts, and many other highlights from the Marx Brothers from more than a half a century of their career in Film, Radio, and Television.
Exhibit Overview
The night was filled with Hollywood memories and iconic stars. Hostess, Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The HollywoodMuseum), introduced an impressive list of key speakers, including Marx Brothers family members Bill Marx (Son of Harpo Marx), Jade Marx (Granddaughter of Groucho Marx), Greg Marx (Grandson of Gummo Marx), Steve Stoliar (Assistant to Groucho Marx and author of the best-selling book “Raised Eyebrows”), Frank Ferrante (friend and historian of The Marx Brothers Family), Robert S. Bader (Marx Brothers Historian and author of four best-selling Marx Brothers books), Jackie Joseph (Doris Day Show/You Bet Your Life), as well as special messages from Leonard Maltin (Film Historian) and Dick Cavett (Talk Show Host/Journalist).
Celebrity guests on hand to pay homage to the legendary pioneers included, Sam Harris (Singer/Songwriter, star of stage and screen), Danny Arroyo (Wild West Chronicles),Bob Bergen (Voice of Porky Pig), Carolyn Hennesy (Emmy winner/GH/True Blood), Erin Murphy (Bewitched), Moosie Drier (Laugh-In/Bob Newhart Show), Lydia Cornell (Too Close For Comfort), Kathy Garver (Family Affair), Johnny Whitaker (Family Affair/Sigmund & the Sea Monsters), Kennedy Garcia (Days of our Lives), Ilene Graff (Mr Belvedere), Barry Livingston (My Three Sons), Stanley Livingston (My Three Sons), Darby Hinton (Daniel Boone), Jax Malcolm (Coral: The Haunted Assignment), Kash Hovey (On Air with Ka$h), Patti Negri (Portraits), Lee Purcell (2x Emmy Nominee), Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Vanessa Angel (Sons of Thunder/ Sins of the Preachers Wife), Melissa Niece Smith (Bold & The Beautiful), Tyrone Dubose (Unsung), Connor Dean (9-1-1), Grace Field ( Born Again The Series/ Sculpted with Love), Jessica Lee (Deal or No Deal/ Suitcase 16), Kym Karath (Sound of Music), Jorge Del Busto (Emmy and Oscar gown designer),Kennedy Garcia (Days of our Lives), Eve Richards (Sony & Netflix film A Line of Fire), Meredith Thomas (A Nanny To Die For), Robert Weide (producer/director Curb Your Enthusiasm / Producer Marx Brothers Docu Film), Teresa Ganzel (The Toy/The Duck Factory), Billy Van Zandt (Jaws 2/Taps) and more.
(Left) Host Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum) welcomes guests to the opening.
(Center) Donelle Dadigan (Host 7 Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum) and Bill Marx (Groucho Marx son).
(Right) Actress Jackie Joseph talks about experience with Groucho Marx on "You Bet Your Life.)
Hollywood has a special meaning to Will and I’s heart. This night of such an amazing presentation just brought out the dreams of the two of us in entertainment. The Hollywood Museum is a must-see bucket list journey in everyone’s life. The Hollywood Museum, located in the historic Max Factor Building, is the official museum of Hollywood and a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, showcasing more than 10,000 authentic show business treasures, spotlighting 100 years of Hollywood history. The Hollywood Museum offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world, featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars, past, present, and in the making. From the silent films to contemporary movies, from Hollywood's Golden Era of Film Noir and Television, through its Pioneer Years to the new digital platforms. The Hollywood Museum includes one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars' car collections, posters, memorabilia, and personal artifacts from their favorite stars. Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, just steps from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum has been named the #1 top tourist attraction in Hollywood by LA Weekly and recently the #1 spot on “Things to Do” by leading travel bloggers, as well as one of the "Top 10" Museums in LA by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Trip Advisor.
Visit the glamour of Hollywood at the Hollywood Museum.
REGULAR HOURS: Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
TICKETS: $15 Adults: $12 Srs (62+): $12 students w/ID and $5 Children under 5.
ADDRESS: 1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028
MUSEUM INFO: https://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/ or Tel: (323) 464-7776
FOLLOW THEMUSEUM:
WEBSITE: https://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/
FACEBOOK: @TheHollywoodMuseum
INSTAGRAM: @HollywoodMuseum
To learn more about Chris and Will, please visit their website at chrisandwill.com and listen to their podcast show “What About Their Life?” on the iHeartRadio app.
